First, realistic options must be considered. Can Texas afford to wait on
Florida State Seminoles
's Jimbo Fisher or
Auburn Tigers
's Gus Malzahn if those two are interested? Possibly, since recruiting is dead until Jan. 15. But that's a long wait to potentially miss out on other coaches. Also, NFL folks such as Mike Tomlin or Jim Harbaugh -- I just don’t see it. David Shaw, Art Briles -- there's a chance they are lifers where they are (maybe that’s naïve, but certainly possible).

When prioritizing this job, which factor is undoubtedly in the top three? Evaluating Texas high school talent.

Well, Gundy's Oklahoma State roster -- which is two wins better than Texas this year and nearly three wins better on average the past four seasons -- currently has 70 players from Texas. Seventy!

Gundy has won more with players Texas didn't want. Imagine what he could do with players Texas does want.

For a school looking to bury Oklahoma every year, Gundy's 1-8 record against the Sooners could be a hard sell. But if UT can get past that, Gundy has a few factors in his favor.

Texas needs to infuse youth and energy to the program, and though Gundy's not exactly young, 46 is a reasonable age in coaching terms. He’s got a good 15 to 20 years left.

Gundy sticks to convictions and can make adjustments on the fly (emphasized the rushing attack midway through the year when the passing game sagged). Gundy's last in-house promotion, Glenn Spencer to defensive coordiantor, worked out beautifully. Oklahoma State gave up a combined four defensive touchdowns to
Baylor Bears
, Oklahoma and Texas.

Army seems to realize this after it put out feelers to candidates before Ellerson was fired. One FBS head coach with a solid record told me his AD got a call from someone at the school and declined.

Don't be surprised if Army takes a hard look at
Ohio State Buckeyes
State" data-canon="Ohio Bobcats" data-type="SPORTS_OBJECT_TEAM" id="shortcode0"> co-offensive coordinator/offensive line Ed Warinner, who was an Army assistant from 1987-99, working his way up from centers/guards coach to offensive coordinator. He also coached at
Air Force Falcons
. Offensive line was a strength for Ohio State.

Central Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe was an Army assistant/coordinator from 1980-86 and has done a solid job with
UCF Knights
's offense this year.